The Dilemma of Leveraging Incumbent Resources

The Case of Kimura Foundry

Abstract

Kimura Foundry Co., Ltd., a casting maker in Shizuoka, has succeeded in rapidly implementing a new technology, 3D printer casting method, by using the knowledge and know-how cultivated through utilizing the incumbent technology, full mold casting method. This research describes in detail the process of implementing the new technology, and presents hypotheses about the process of leveraging existing resources (knowledge, know-how, etc.) possessed by an incumbent company when it implements a new technology.